HC Deb 28 July 1896 vol 43 c827
SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether Sir Jacobus de Wet has been offered a pension of £300 a year; and (2) whether Sir Jacobus' long and valuable services, especially in connection with the annexation of Amatongaland, entitle him to more liberal consideration?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first paragraph of the Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second paragraph, I have to say that Sir Jacobus de Wet has been only six years in the service of the Imperial Government, that he took no part in bringing Amatongaland under British rule, and that he is not entitled under any law or regulation to any pension at all. The sum of £300 a year has been offered to him as an exceptional act of grace and favour, and is based on double the ordinary Civil Service scale.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

asked if it was a fact that Sir Jacobus de Wet had refused this pension?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I have not heard that. [Laughter.]